Temporary Early Career Electrical Engineer

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Temporary Early Career Electrical Engineer for our Syracuse, NY; Freeport, ME; or Ann Arbor, MI office. This position follows a hybrid work schedule (minimum three days per week in the office). Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

The successful applicant will be responsible for performing electrical studies and/or developing and troubleshooting supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for utility and industrial/commercial clients. Applicable power systems primarily include conventional and renewable generation facilities, substations, transmission systems, and distribution systems.

Your Impact

• Protective Relaying: Short circuit and symmetrical component analysis, time-current coordination, protection scheme and criteria development, relay settings calculation, integration with SCADA systems, NERC compliance, and arc flash analysis. Applicable software: AcSELerator Quickset (SEL-5030), AcSELerator Architect, GE Enervista, ASPEN Oneliner, SKM-PTW, ETAP, RSCAD/RTDS.
• Power System Planning Studies: Steady-state real and reactive power flow including outage contingencies, generation interconnect feasibility, P-V and Q-V analysis for voltage stability margins, dynamic stability performance, automation of large batch simulations, working with models from NERC regional entities (WECC, MRO, SERC, etc.), and NERC compliance. Applicable software: PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld, Python Scripting.
• Design Studies: Substation grounding, corona and electric and magnetic fields, insulation coordination (lightning, switching surge, and contamination performance), transient (time domain) simulation, power quality (harmonics, voltage flicker, over/under voltage, etc.), motor starting, and AC interference (transmission line interaction with railroads and pipelines). Applicable software: CDEGS, ATP-EMTP, PSCAD.
• Networking and Communications: Design and configure network and communication paths for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), protective relays, meters, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), PLCs, and other SCADA system equipment; develop basic specifications for fiber optic, microwave, power line carrier, or radio communication paths; travel to project sites to troubleshoot and commission network and communication systems. Applicable communication protocols include DNP, Modbus, SEL Communication Protocol, GOOSE Messaging, and IEC 61850.
• Logic and Control Systems: Develop and implement logic and control schemes for remote and local operation of power system equipment; develop programs on various platforms for implementation of these schemes; travel to project sites to test and commission the control schemes. Applicable platforms include SEL RTAC, Orion, Cooper SMP, and GE-D20.
• Data Acquisition: Prepare point lists of all data to be transferred between control centers and controlled apparatus, assign and program data addressing and routing information, develop Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens, and travel to project sites to test and commission data transfer schemes. Applicable software includes Wonderware, Clearview, AcSELerator RTAC, Visual Basic, OSI PI, and Python scripting.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and operations.
• Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with design concepts, construction, mitigation and improvement activities, and remediation projects.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work, including project controls, business deployment, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting teams.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Must be a recent Engineering Graduate (Bachelor's Degree) or currently enrolled in a university pursuing a degree in Engineering
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation software, technology tools, mathematical principles, predictive models, and spreadsheets.
• Proven commitment to workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP's health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Within one (1) year of graduation.
• GPA above 3.0/4.0.
• Power system coursework covering topics such as three-phase power, load flow and reactive compensation, protective relaying, symmetrical components, transmission line theory, power system transients, dynamic stability, and power system electromagnetics.
• Internship experience and/or familiarity with the technical areas and software listed in the job description.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, with the expectation of pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Additional Information

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on supporting employees' health, well-being, and financial stability throughout their careers. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement savings plans, paid sick leave, paid vacation (or other personal time), paid parental leave, and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and attendance at naturalization proceedings.